Who doesn’t long and pray
for restful nights and peaceful days?
Who doesn’t wait an end
to times of anxious, worried fears?
Who among us hasn’t prayed
for nights of deep and restful sleep?
Has anyone a heart not longing,
aching to be loved?
Don’t all souls seek what’s beautiful,
what’s gracious, pure and good,
what’s worth our keen devotion?
Who doesn’t ask for good health?
for shelter, food and comfort?
for liberty and freedom?
Indeed, do I know anyone
whose needs and whose desires
differ all that much from mine?
We’re all much more alike, Lord,
than the ways that we are not:
in our souls our similarities
outnumber our disparities.
From the same place deep within, then,
we share a common thirst
and all who share our hunger
seek that love that feeds the heart…
Help me then to see, Lord,
to care for and to nourish
all the hearts of those around me
and open wide my heart to all
who seek to feed and nourish me
with all they have to offer…
